Title: The Beaumonts: The Kentucky Bourbon Series Authors: Bobby Collins & Jimmy Star Pub Date: 5-Jan-2017 Rating: 3.5 Stars
The Beaumonts: The Kentucky Bourbon Series is the story of two rival Bourbon distilling families, the Beaumonts and the Taylors. The families just became linked when Rickey Beaumont marries Donna Taylor. No one in either family even knew they were dating. Therefore, when Rickey and Donna arrive at the Beaumont estate it is quite a surprise. Despite the shock, the Beaumont family welcomes Donna with open arms, the only exception being Cliff, Rickey’s older brother.
Rickey is not so fortune when the time comes to meet Donna’s father, Joe Taylor. Joe is livid and very vocal in expressing his displeasure over the marriage. He views it as the ultimate betrayal by Donna. He sees the Beaumonts as his enemy and declares that as long as Donna is married to one he will have nothing to do with her. Continue reading “The Beaumonts: The Kentucky Bourbon Series by Bobby Collins and Jimmy Star”
Title: All the King’s Soliders Author: John Anthony Miller Pub Date: 17-Feb-2017 Rating: 5 Stars
All the King’s Soldiers is set in 1940 Lisbon shortly after the German invasion of France. There is a large network of spies, of multiple nationalities, in and around Lisbon, given that Portugal has decided to remain neutral.
The story opens with the murder of Taylor Hartridge, a British spy, in a small town just outside of Lisbon. It is thought he was killed for the contents of his safe. It is believed the safe contained the German invasion plans for Great Britain, a very valuable commodity and definitely one to kill for. Continue reading “All the King’s Soliders by John Anthony Miller”
Title: The Boundary Stone Author: Gail Avery Halverson Pub Date: 16-Nov-2016 Rating: 5 Stars
The Boundary Stone by Gail Avery Halverson is the perfect example of why I accept requests for reviews and read authors that are new to me and/or debut authors. More than once I have found, as is the case here, a great story and fell in love with another author that I might have never known about.
Ms. Halverson has done a remarkable job with her debut novel. The plot was well thought out and the scenes were true to the period. The characters are beautifully drawn and her descriptive prose was spot on. I love it when the author describes a scene so well I feel like I am watching through my own eyes. Continue reading “The Boundary Stone by Gail Avery Halverson”
Ten by Kerriann Curtis is a short collection of poems centered on life in the modern world. I found this group of poems to be thought provoking, entertaining and sometimes even humorous. Poetry should embrace you and I felt these did. Just like an old fashioned hug, the poems themselves were honest and not pretentious in the least.
The collection was made up of short and mostly straight forward yet thoughtful musings. I would even describe the collection as “what you see, is what you get.” No vague literary references that will have you scratching your head for days. Serious literary persons may not find this to their liking, but I consider myself the average reader that wants to enjoy what she reads… and enjoy I did. I actually read most of the poems twice and a couple three times.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
The Bedlam Stacks is the first book I have read by Natasha Pulley. It is one of those books that gets under your skin. It is a slow build up and then you reach a point that you must finish reading or die trying. When the end comes you just let out a breath you did not even know you were holding. I know it is only March, but I suspect this book will end up being one of my favorites this year.
The story is about Merrick Tremayne who is currently at home in Cornwall convalescing after a tragic accident that almost cost him his leg. He has been contemplating what jobs a cripple can do and his current prospects don’t look so good. When Merrick starts seeing a garden statue move and a tree explode his brother thinks Merrick might be going mad like their mother. To Merrick’s dismay his brother is now insisting he take a position as a parson or be committed. Fortunately for Merrick, Clem, an old friend, drops by and convinces Merrick that he is well enough to make a journey with him to Peru for the East India Company, Merrick’s employer before his accident. Continue reading “The Bedlam Stacks by Natasha Pulley”
Herai is a debut novel by Aaron D. Key. The main character is Herai and her story unfolds in two different realities. One reality is called “WITHOUT” and one “THE BETTER PLACE” because an all-powerful being has entered the one reality thereby greatly affecting it. It is not until the end that you know who this being is.
Since you are following two subplots and the book alternates between the two. It made for a slow and arduous read. The plot(s) were difficult to keep straight. I found myself constantly flipping back to see which reality I was reading about. I finally gave up and started making notes in an effort to keep track of everything going on. This is not my most favorite thing to do and made it hard for me to really get vested in the story. Continue reading “Herai by Aaron D. Key”
Title: A Fine Imitation Author: Amber Brock Pub. Date: 3-May-2016 Rating: 4 Stars
It is the roaring twenties in America, a time of social change and speakeasies. In 1920 women earned the right to vote and enjoyed more freedoms than ever before. Yet, for the wives of the elite high society these freedoms do not seem to exist. They are still stuck in the 19th century traditions and customs. For Vera this life is unrewarding. While she has plenty of money for all the trappings of high society: fine clothes, jewelry, art, etc., the endless teas, charities and a weekly luncheon with her mother have left her empty and wanting more.
Vera went to Vassar College and studied art history but she never has been able to put that knowledge to use since she married. Being the only person that understands fine art, she is asked to review the work of a French artist, Emil Hallan, whom is being considered to paint a mural for the luxury apartment complex her husband owns and they live in. She finds his work inspiring and makes the recommendation to hire him.
Once Emil arrives from France, Vera’s world is turned on its end. He is like a spring breeze to Vera in the depth of winter and it is not long before their mutual love of art leads to friendship and romance. Vera begins to see the world through Emil’s eyes and begins to question all she has ever known. In the end Vera may have to give up the security and known for the unknown in order to achieve a sense of self and purpose in her life. The big question is, will she have the strength to break free from the chains that society, her family and husband have all used to bind her to a meaningless life?
This is a well written debut novel. Ms. Brock did an outstanding job setting the scene of Vera’s life and showing how hard it is to shake off the binds of tradition and obligation. My only quam, and it is minor, I wished that Emil’s character had been a little more developed.
This book will appeal to those who love historical fiction and women’s stories. Since the story has an element of romance it will appeal to those readers also.
I received a free copy of A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock from Crown Publishing, via the Library Thing Early Reviews program, in exchange for my honest review.
This is Elizabeth (Bethy) and Emily Rooth’s tragic story. They are identical twins and according to Elizabeth they have lived as if they were conjoined twins that were never separated. “Mother” was very abusive. She would keep them locked in their bedroom and would disappear sometimes for days. As they grow older Mother started bringing home special friends, male friends, and the abuse escalated to an unimaginable level.
One day the girls accidentally start a fire in the kitchen. When help arrives they are discovered and removed. The Rooths, a loving couple who could not have children, adopt them. Despite the Rooth’s best efforts there were some scars that their love could not erase.
Ms. Berry, the author, did an outstanding job of putting a face to the disease of mental illness. I expected no less since she is a clinical psychologist. The twins’ story is raw and emotional and Berry has given us a unique glimpse into the mind of someone who has experienced traumatic events. The entire story is fiction, but it is so well written it feels like it could be nonfiction.
This is a fast paced book with masterful twists. It is dark and it hooks you in the first few pages; so be prepared, once you start reading you will not be able to stop until the end. Be aware that some of the subjects presented in the book, such as child abuse, self-harm, and rape, may not be for every reader.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Title: Haire Suite Author: Piers Anthony Pub Date: 21-Dec-2016 Rating: 4 Stars
Hair Suite, a novella, by Piers Anthony is the sequel to Hair Power. You do not have to read Hair Power in order to enjoy the sequel. If you have read anything by Piers Anthony, you already know his works are witty, humorous and full of puns. Hair Suite most definitely follows in this vain.
The Hair Suits are a small group of people who have been given extraordinary powers by alien Hair Balls. I am laughing as I am writing this, since my image of a hair ball involves cats and vomit. The puns is what makes Piers Anthony’s work so humorous. Anyway, there is another alien power that has arrived on Earth called Chip Monks. The Chips introduce themselves to the Hairs and form a partnership with them to defeat a third alien power that is headed to Earth and could be a major threat to both the Hairs and the Chips. Together they need to eliminate the threat and save Earth for themselves.
As previously stated, this is a humorous light read and typical Piers Anthony. I would go so far as to call Mr. Anthony’s work the slapstick of the fantasy genre. He is poking fun at numerous things and there are a lot of sexual undertones in the book some might find offensive. It is totally silliness and I had a good laugh. If you liked the Xanith series you will like Hair Suite.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Title: Dark Horses Author: Cecily von Ziegesar Pub Date: 13-Sep-2016 Rating: 4 Stars
First let me say, I am an animal lover and equestrian. I have ridden all my life and I adore most any story about or centered around horses. Therefore, I was so looking forward to reading Dark Horses and crossing my fingers that the author got the horse stuff right. I can honestly report that she most definitely did.
The story is written from two points of view, Merritt a troubled teenager and an off the track Thoroughbred, named Red, with issues of his own. They both have ended up at Good Fences an equine-assisted therapy program in New England. The program pairs Merritt and Red together and they have an instant connection. Once it is discovered that Merritt is a very talented rider and together her and Red make a great hunter/jumper team, they are shipped off to Florida to train and prepare for the show circuit.
Regrettably, Merritt spent such a short amount of time at Good Fences that she never really had time to work through all her issues. The issues all come roaring back with tragedy strikes at a show.
The healing bond with animals is incredible and the story did justice to that. My only grip is with Red’s character. His character is too human. Does a horse really know what a text is? Come on…. For this reason I could not rate the book higher than a four.
